Rick Allen: “It is very refreshing here and a historic day in Congress when we are working together to do something big, and I am…”

“It is very refreshing here and a historic day in Congress when we are working together to do something big, and I am just proud to be a part of it. During my time in Congress, I have traveled the 12th District, visiting many schools, and I have spoken to numerous groups of young students. One question I always ask is why they are getting an education. Typically, students will respond with a wide variety of reasons, but the answer is to prepare for a job, to build a successful career, to live the American Dream. Oftentimes, a 4-year degree isn't the right fit. Work is a God-given right, and I believe that young people today have the greatest opportunity to live the American Dream than at any time in my lifetime. I am proud to say that I helped create legislation that prioritizes these in-demand job skills and education. H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, does a lot of great things. But as a small-business owner, I made sure, during the drafting process, that this legislation would bridge the gap between the business and education community by finally bringing business leaders to the table to create CTE programs for in-demand jobs in our hometowns. Thanks to tax reform and deregulation, our economy is booming: 6.7 million jobs are open and available, and the American Dream is right there for the taking.”